Looking Forward Our Way

We welcome Mason and Mary Landrum, co-owners of Nice Guy Technology. As a family-owned and operated business, they are proud to have served the central Ohio area since 2011. Their team has over 30 years of IT experience and several certifications.From the rapid shift to remote work during the pandemic to the constant evolution of cybersecurity threats, our guests break down the challenges that businesses (and individuals!) face when keeping up with hardware, software, and internet safety.You’ll hear real talk about password myths, cloud-based computing, device maintenance, security software for different devices, and the growing risks of ransomware and workplace hacking. Whether you’re a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or just looking to protect your personal information, this episode is full of actionable tips and resources.Our conversation is loaded with helpful takeaways like recommended training tools, the crucial importance of backups, and practical advice for working securely—at the office, at home, or at your favorite coffee shop. Stay tuned for best practices and insider stories that make cybersecurity less intimidating and a whole lot more approachable!If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!Here are 3 key takeaways you can put into action today:Passwords Matter—But Complexity Wins Over Change FrequencyThe FBI now recommends longer, more complex passphrases you change less often, instead of constant rotation. Consider a memorable phrase with special characters vs. hard-to-remember random sequences.Cloud Computing Is Not OptionalThe pandemic pushed businesses of all sizes to adopt cloud-based workflows. It’s here to stay—embrace cloud solutions for collaboration and ensure you understand where your data lives (and how it’s backed up).Endpoint Security Is Critical in the Work-From-Anywhere WorldWith staff working remotely, security must shift from protecting a physical office to securing each device (“endpoint”). Invest in modern antivirus protection, strong backup strategies, and educate your team regularly.We would love to hear from you.Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.Email us at [email protected] us on Bluesky and Facebook.Please review our podcast on Google!And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett JohnsonMentioned in this episode:Listener DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.

We welcome Danielle Murphy, a Consumer Educator for the Consumer Protection Section of the Education Unit of the Office of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.From impostors posing as government agencies to emotionally manipulative grandparent and romance scams, Danielle Murphy walks us through the most common traps, why seniors are often at higher risk, and the specific warning signs loved ones should watch for.You’ll learn why simply not answering calls from unknown numbers is crucial, how scammers use caller ID spoofing, and why certain payment methods like prepaid gift cards should always raise red flags.We’ll also talk about practical advice on protecting your cyber identity, safeguarding social media activity, and navigating tricky situations when fraud involves those close to us.Whether you’re a senior, a family member, or simply care about protecting your loved ones, this episode is filled with actionable tips and essential resources to help keep your finances—and your future—safe.This is a conversation that’s as informative as it is empowering, and don’t forget to check the show notes for links to all the resources mentioned in today’s episode!If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!Here are our top 3 takeaways for protecting seniors (and all of us!) from scams:If it sounds too good to be true, it IS. Whether it’s a surprise windfall, a threat from a “government agency,” or a suspicious phone call, skepticism is your best first defense.Never give out personal information or send money without verifying. Don’t trust caller ID—scammers can spoof numbers to appear legitimate. Always verify requests for money or sensitive data by calling organizations back at numbers you look up yourself, not those given to you over the phone.Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. As Danielle Murphy shares, “the more you answer, the more your number gets marked as active and sold to more scammers.” Let unknown numbers go to voicemail—legitimate callers will leave a message for you to return.Moments00:00 Ohio Law Enforcement & Officials Support05:45 Common Scams Affecting Ohio09:16 "Stop Robocalls, Report Spoofing"13:00 Imposter Scams Explained16:05 Spotting Scams on Dating Sites18:45 Charity Verification and Service Issues22:20 Recognizing Elder Abuse Signs23:34 Cybersecurity Tips for Protection26:56 Password Updates and Security Concerns29:58 Facebook Privacy Concerns Explained36:02 "Beware: Too Good Is Fake"38:02 "Consumer Resources and Protection Tools"39:54 "Scammers Exploit Weak Moments"We would love to hear from you.Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.Email us at [email protected] us on Bluesky and Facebook.Please review our podcast on Google!And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett JohnsonMentioned in this episode:Listener DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.

Thank you for being the most important part of our launch of Looking Forward Our Way.We take a look at what we have coming up in the first few months of 2021 on the podcast. And stick around until the end of the episode to hear a message from Ole St. Nick!We would love to hear from you.Email us at [email protected] us on Facebook.And of course everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.

We all know the difficulty in the housing market across the country, but Columbus and Central Ohio is in a particularly bad spot. No housing stock, and everyone wanting an alternative – a new place to reside. But there are many facets to the housing picture. In this episode, we discuss multi-unit senior housing communities.  Our guest is Joel Wrobbel, Director of Marketing for Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber Community.This is such a complex question, that we thought we should focus on just a few topics – or else we will be in this discussion all day! Let’s look at:An overview of senior housing, and in particular what has been created at your location, the Westminster-Thurber CommunityAffordability of senior housing and the various levelsHow can senior housing lead to a healthy lifestyle? Issues such as loneliness and isolation, physical needs (e.g. exercising), and how residential locations can decrease stress on the seniors and their familyAnd how the pandemic has changed senior housing – in the short term and long term planningWe usually think of senior housing in 3 levels – independent, assisted and nursing/skilled care. Are there really only those 3 levels – or should we add “aging in place” within an individual’s own home? How has this overall picture changed? And how is it different for those 55 as opposed to those 75+?What do seniors need to consider when dealing with the cost of residential locations? How can seniors maintain a safe lifestyle without a huge bank account?The trend now is that communities have workout rooms, activity rooms, patios or balconies, and more. Is the goal of “healthy living” driving this change? Technology has changed in their community. Specifically the communication with the residents and family members, as well as within the facility itself.Joel also offers some insight on changes needed to protect residents, as well as ways they’ve created needed services and space to help each person.Connections we mentioned in the podcast you should check out...Westminster Thurber https://www.ohioliving.org/communities/ohio-living-westminster-thurber Central Ohio Area Agency on Aginghttp://coaaa.org/Franklin County Office on Aginghttps://officeonaging.org/default.aspx HUD approved senior housing consultants (Ohio)https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=OH Here's a link to a complete list of resources.We would love to hear from you.Email us at [email protected] us on Facebook.And of course everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.

This episode promises to be a great deal of fun! The holidays are approaching and needless to say, this is not an easy time to figure out what to buy and how to buy it! So in this episode, we are going to focus on our holiday shopping and technology – how to use technology and how/what to buy that is technology!Our guest is Marianne Bailey. Marianne has been strengthening our older adults by teaching them all the secrets, tips and short cuts on technology. She is the publisher of an online magazine called “The HIP Senior” and is also the Founder of the company, OnLineTechLessons.com.Marianne talks about your company as well as the “The HIP Senior” magazine, and a bit on her background. Why is it important to provide this information to older adults?We are finding that many older adults are learning to do online shopping by urgent necessity. We cover the tips that she is giving older adults in using technology for online shopping. What equipment do they need? Who can walk them through the process? What should they be aware of?Are there ways that an older adult can get hints on what to buy for their children or grandchildren for the holidays? Something similar to a bridal registry, but for under the Christmas tree?If there isn’t a “wish list” anywhere, are there tech items that would be great gifts? What is “flying off the online shelves”?We cover the differences between the Virtual Command Device and the Smart Speakers – such as difference between Alexa and Google’s Nest Mini.Of course, don't forget about yourself while buying technology for the holidays! After all, we are also putting a lot of effort into getting through our “new normal”! Marianne suggests what to look at as a tech gift for an older adult. We also cover a number resources for older adults to learn how to use technology. Here is a link to access and print the resource page.We would love to hear from you.Email us at [email protected] us on Facebook.And of course everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.

We welcome Josh Kinzel, Benefit Advisor at Seniority Benefit Group. He is an expert when it comes to Medicare.In this episode, we start to demystify Medicare, as we discuss its issues and confusions. It is Open Enrollment (10/15-12/7) for Medicare recipients and needless to say, there are always questions! Even if we are not old enough for Medicare, we may be assisting our older relatives to navigate the complexity of this program. And actually, that is what Seniority Benefit Group, and other “connectors” provide – to start to demystify the process.Let’s make sure we have the overall understanding of Medicare – and know the acronyms that come with it. There are 3 basic areas that we need to remember – the basic “Medicare Plan” and what it covers, the “Supplement Plan” and what it covers, as well as the “Part D – Pharmacy Plan” and what it covers. Depending on the individual’s needs and preferences, this could be 3 different parts of their health care or all one rolled into an Advantage plan. Here's an example we consider. "I am turning 65 and know I need to be on Medicare. What should I do in preparation for my 65th Birthday?"As someone turning 65, you need to understand your own medical history and needs in order to choose the best plan. How does an individual describe their health issues and physical abilities? And are there specific areas in each plan that an individual should pay very close attention to?Part D which covers prescriptions has been a hot item for years. Any points that a new Medicare patient should beware of?Assuming that even if an individual gets through their first year of Medicare with no problems, there may be issues that they wish they knew about before making decisions on health plans. Josh shares what mistakes or problems he sees that individuals often undergo their first year, but could have avoided. He also offers us a list of things to watch for to avoid making obvious mistakes.For those who are already on Medicare, are there changes to the law for next year that may make changes to Medicare plans that we should all be watching for?Memorable Moments00:00 Local resource in Dublin guiding through Medicare options.05:56 Medicare terms can be overwhelming for people.08:30 Effective conversation leads to personalized healthcare solutions.12:53 Delay Medicare choices if covered by employer.14:26 Medicare generally covers employer plan services as well.18:47 Seek expert help navigating Medicare for simplicity.20:23 Medicare drug plans have varying costs and structure.25:04 Medicare users may face unexpected prescription costs.27:26 Navigating Medicare choices, be mindful of restrictions.30:16 Affordable Care Act reduces prescription drug costs.34:42 Positive review: Great experience on this podcast.Resources we mentioned we would include in our episode show notes.Medicare Medicare Education and Outreach (Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging programs provided free to assist in educating individuals on Medicare) Ohio Department of Insurance Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) 1-800-686-1578We would love to hear from you.Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.Email us at [email protected] us on Bluesky and Facebook.Please review our podcast on Google!And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

It seems like we are always in political season.And this leads to ask ourselves, how do we navigate through all the news sources to best educate ourselves about issues and candidates that will be on the ballot?We talk with Mark Nuce, News Director at North American Broadcasting in Columbus, OH. He has been covering the news and elections since the Reagan/Carter election in 1980, so we know he has some great insight on how election coverage has changed (and in some ways, not) over the past 40 years.With a 24/7 news cycle, reporting something like a presidential election is very different than in past years.  What has changed for you as a reporter and how have you changed your reporting methods?How do you educate yourself on the issues and candidates?  The general public is looking for unbiased news reporting, which is nearly impossible in today’s environment.  What do you see as your role in reporting election coverage?How do you maintain unbiased coverage?  Are you utilizing new sources/resources in your daily reports?How has news coverage changed – for the good and/or bad – during your career?Elections have changed with the onset of campaign financing - high ticket donations and high ticket publicity.  Do you see elections as less about policy making and more about influencers?  Or has this issue taken on a life of its own and is this not as critical as many think?In the past the “boomer” generation was considered a huge voting block. With time passing, that group is diminishing in numbers, has it also diminished in strength?  Do you have insight on which voting group/block seems to be leading the charge in today’s election cycle?How can voters better understand the importance in voting – not just a constitutional right – but the one way you can make your voice heard?There have been many states that have successfully used absentee ballots or mail-in ballots, including Ohio. What have you seen regarding the fairness and access of voting? And has that changed over the years?The League of Women Voters is one neutral resource for information for voters. Can you provide our listeners with other resources they can utilize to educate themselves on the elections – voting processes, candidates, platforms, etc.?League of Women VotersOhio Secretary of StateFind your local county Board of ElectionsVote411 – information for voters in SpanishCitizens United v. FEC (Supreme Court)We would love to hear from you.Email us at [email protected] us on Facebook.And of course everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.

Have you ever wondered about franchise ownership? So have we. In this episode, we talk with Telanda Sidari, The Franchise Educator, about the in's and out's of franchise ownership.She covers..what makes a franchise different than other types of businesseswhat's the advantages to owning a franchise as opposed to simply starting a business of your ownthe types of franchiseswhat skills are needed to be a successful owner of a franchisethe financial implications, like up-front capitalwhat steps to take in the process of discovering the right franchise for your life and lifestylewhy and when you should NOT purchase a franchisewhat resources are available, like their virtual trade show, and the International Franchise Associationbooks like The Franchise MBA and The E-MythKey Moments00:00 Sales and marketing experience across different industries.03:37 Franchising offers business ownership without reinventing the wheel.07:08 Franchising offers stable opportunities in various industries.12:03 Starting a business from a hobby is dismissive.15:33 Hottest doesn't always mean it'll make money.17:45 Franchising costs and requirements outlined for potential investors.21:32 Franchise process involves investigation and learning.24:43 Scaling business with second franchise, economies of scale.29:03 Franchise process warning signs and resources available.30:29 Consider motivation, research and plan before committing.34:58 Talinda's website has a helpful quiz.37:08 Franchise agreements protect the system unity.39:18 Easiest website with email and 800 number.Just for our listeners, make sure you go to her website and take the Franchise Assessment quiz. It's a free, quick quiz to understand where you are in your search and possibly which concepts would fit with you.We would love to hear from you.Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.Email us at [email protected] us on Bluesky and Facebook.Please review our podcast on Google!And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Welcome to the first Looking Forward Our Way podcast episode.You are getting this episode because you are a subscriber to the former Successful Encore Career podcast. We are expanding our topic reach past employment issues, that will include...EmploymentFinancial and legal issuesTechnologyHealthy livingHousingDiscover – this covers a wide variety of topics that may addresshow to stay in contact with othershow to find needed informationhow to continue learning and educationOur focus is on Central Ohio residents 50+But really, all adults needing to connect to available resources, as well as tips, and suggestions on today’s subjects.Thank you for your continued interest in our podcast. And we hope you keep Looking Forward Our Way in your podcast subscriptions.We would love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected]. And of course everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Over the past two years, Brett and I have talked to many individuals who have moved from one career to another – pursuing their “encore opportunity”. Today I am putting Brett in the “hot seat” as he has also successfully moved into a new career. Brett moved from a long career in radio broadcasting and sales to open his own company, Circle270Media Podcast Consultants, as an expert in podcasting helping many organizations throughout Central Ohio utilize this great new media method and technology!Were there accomplishments you reached over the years that would eventually help you in this career change?You brought strong transferable skills to your new company – can you discuss your evaluation of such skills and how you utilized that knowledge in your discussions with new clients?Were there opportunities you pursued that supported your career move?Adults 50+ have a variety of reasons for changing employment. Starting a business takes an even larger jump – whether it is for career fulfillment, or financial needs. However, there are many barriers in creating a company. As an older Gen X, did you ever feel age was an issue? What were the other challenges you faced?Do you see self-employment for older adults as an important part of our economic growth? Do you see the creation of your company as an important step for your family, community, and even your career colleagues? We are always interested in clients’ educational background and the types of training or “life-long learning” they may have pursued over the years. Tell us about yours and is there some topic/class/workshop/conference/program which made a significant difference in your career path?Circle270Media provides a wide array of services to clients including content marketing, content creation, audio production/recording and broadcasting. Would you give our audience an overview of your work and how you assist clients in their efforts to utilize this new technology?What are the top 3-4 steps you feel our listeners can utilize should they be considering a career change that takes them into self-employment? What should they consider as they venture into a new career journey?The Successful Encore Career is a service of Employment For Seniors and sponsored by Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, Nationwide Insurance, RiseSmart, Thompson Hine, and Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.This podcast is free to you and available on your favorite podcast player. If you have benefited from this podcast and would like to help us defray costs involved in producing the podcast, we welcome your support. Click here to donate via our safe and secure PayPal account. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or SubscribeOnAndroid.HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! We'd love it if you could please share this podcast with your social media friends!If you liked this episode, please leave us a rating and a review in iTunes.  Click here to learn how!